Video game movies have a bad reputation, but there are ways in which the change of medium can be helpful. A film can offer a chance to explore the characters fans love in a new context. Some movies bring new dimensions to the video game icons they portray, changing their depiction in the franchise forever. Whether it's a perfect script or a great performance, some films get the character right.
Video game characters often begin life as functions. A developer needs a boss, so they come up with an imposing figure to get in the hero's way. Some of these characters are archetypes, but others become beloved for their efficient storytelling. Movies give these characters a chance to breathe and new angles to fall in love with.
Knuckles the Echidna - Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Idris Elba's performance as Sonic's longtime friend and rival was the biggest selling point of the film's marketing and the most praised aspect when it came out. Knuckles is a straightforward character in the games. He's slow-witted, fiercely loyal, and overwhelmingly powerful. The Sonic film universe incorporates every aspect of his character in a different context. He's inspired by characters like Drax the Destroyer or Starfire, powerful warriors from far-away planets who struggle with their new environment. Knuckles gets most of the best jokes in the film, but he's also the most compelling force to watch in the action scenes. Idris Elba's voice in the role was as fantastic as promised. He's one of the best versions of the character ever depicted and fans eagerly await his return in the sequel.
Sephiroth - Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
One of the most iconic villains in video game history still owes a ton of his portrayal to this poorly-received 2005 anime film. When the One-Winged Angel joined Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, his trailer was a note-perfect callback to his appearance in Advent Children. The film featured one of George Newbern's first performances in the role, establishing the character's English voice for years to come. Sephiroth isn't in Advent Children for very long. He basically stars in the film's final action scenes after the trio of forgettable villains spends most of the runtime trying to bring him back. Despite only being the final boss, Sephiroth's scene is the most powerful moment of the film. How could anyone forget Sephiroth? He will never be a memory.
Detective Pikachu - Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
Ryan Reynolds may not have been the world's first choice to portray this talking lightning mouse, but it's tough to argue that he didn't do a great job. In the games, Detective Pikachu is stubborn, addicted to coffee, clever, and easily distracted. The film depicts him similarly, but with the added level of snarky charisma that we've all come to expect from the star of Deadpool. His Detective Pikachu is charming, funny, and genuinely emotionally affecting. Detective Pikachu was celebrated upon release, but it hasn't remained quite as beloved over the following three years. The film is earnest and heartfelt in a way that simply captures the pure joy of the Pokémon franchise. Detective Pikachu isn't the most important part of the film that's named after him, but he is one of the most entertaining.
Raiden - Mortal Kombat
Christopher Lambert of Highlander fame was the first actor to portray the God of Thunder in live-action. His Raiden doesn't participate in the titular kombat, but he's still a fun character in the cast. Lambert's look was recently added to Mortal Kombat 11. The 1995 Mortal Kombat movie wasn't celebrated in its initial release window, but it's gradually become a cult hit among fans. Raiden is granted much more personality in the film than he is in the original games. He's funny, frequently mocking the struggles of the beings he clearly considers to be beneath him. Despite being a mentor character, rather than a full competitor, his dry sense of humor makes him more enjoyable to watch than most.
M. Bison - Street Fighter
Of course! Raul Julia's take on M. Bison isn't just the best performance ever to grace a video game movie, it's one of the best villainous performances in cinema history. As many fans are aware, Julia took the part as a favor to his kids after a tragic cancer diagnosis that would eventually claim his life. Julia left it all on the field with his M. Bison, delivering one explosive quotable monologue after another. The 1994 Street Fighter film is an unmitigated mess, but Julia's performance as M. Bison is its biggest cultural contribution. It's over the top in a way that threatens to become high art. All other depictions of the main antagonist of Capcom's fighting game franchise pale in comparison. The day that Bison graced the big screen was the most important day in video game cinema, but for him, it was Tuesday.